Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the annual retreat hosted by our homeschool group. I signed up during the last call and even at the last minute, still bogged down by mourning, I was so tempted to just stay home and hide under the sheets. But my husband already arranged for my sister-in-law to watch the kids in the interim, between his coming home from work and my leaving for the retreat. So off I went, half-hearted (as usual). As soon as I got to the retreat house and saw all the cars at the lot I was quite relieved I came. These were my friends, these were the right people to be with, these were the people who prayed with and for me through my grieving. With them I can just be.
Everything was beautiful, these women knew how to run a retreat for women. There was Benediction, Confession and of course, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The priests who came were generous with their time. I left that confessional with so many things to ponder, the young priest who gave me absolution clearly had the gift of counsel.
I didn't take a lot of pictures. In fact I only took one but my dear friend
Katie has all the wonderful details on her blog.
After the retreat, we went on a short camping trip which helped keep me in a state of quiet, pondering all. And camping is where I took a lot of pictures....
 |
| the only proof I have of going to the retreat |
 |
| they love camping |
 |
| the nearly empty campsite |
 |
| I love this picture of the baby - exhilaration! |
 |
| baby and me |
 |
| happy campers |
 |
| writing implements are always with us |
 |
| it was the perfect site to ride on scooters |
 |
| flashlights were not necessary with the full moon |
 |
| the moon over our campsite |
 |
| Christmas in August over the picnic table |
 |
| turkey bacon! |
 |
| this is my favorite camping equipment because I must have my toast |
 |
| fishing |
 |
| the meditative quality of fishing is good for kids in a very loud world |
 |
| middle child pondering dinner- catfish :-) |
 |
| the baby telling the oldest child to get off his carseat |
 |
| me on the swing - bliss! |
 |
| glowstick fight |
 |
| kids having fun with the glowsticks |
 |
| mist over camp as the kids prepare for an early fishing adventure |
 |
| ready with their fishing poles |
 |
| the husband leaping for joy, there is joy in fishing |
 |
| the kids playing with dead bait |
 |
| my little one off to the woods |
I hope you had a little pocket of quiet time this summer.
That looks like a nice camping trip. I haven't done that in, a really, really long time.
ReplyDeleteIt was! Camping is favorite form of stay-cation. I think we're going to try renting a yurt next time.
Delete